What Color is Arnica
Arnica is a sophisticated, earthy orange that leans heavily toward muted ochre and aged gold. It bridges the gap between vibrant harvest hues and antique metallics, conveying a sense of heritage and grounded warmth.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Orange
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #3766BE
- Brightness: 147/255
- Saturation: 71%
Colors That Pair Well With Arnica
Complementary
Pair with Denim for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Indigo for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Arnica History
The color takes its name from the Arnica montana plant, a mountain wildflower documented for its medicinal properties as early as the 12th century. The hue itself is rooted in the use of ochre pigments, which are among the oldest stable colors used by humans in prehistoric cave art. These iron-oxide-based pigments allowed early civilizations to capture the golden essence of the sun and the soil.
During the Dutch Golden Age, painters utilized similar shades to recreate the lustre of silk and the soft glow of candlelight. By the 18th century, this specific muted orange became a favorite for residential upholstery and library wall coverings. It represented a transition from the gaudy yellows of the Rococo period to a more disciplined and intellectual aesthetic.
Meaning & Psychology
Arnica exudes reliability and wisdom, offering an emotional weight that bright oranges lack. Unlike high-energy neons, this desaturated version provides a sense of tranquility and permanence. It suggests a maturity that appeals to those seeking comfort, stability, and a connection to the past.
In many global cultures, harvest-toned oranges like Arnica represent abundance and the seasonal transition of life. It is a color often associated with the intellect, making it a frequent choice for spaces intended for deep study and reflection. It promotes a feeling of security without the aggression found in more saturated red-oranges.
In Nature
Arnica is most famously observed in the petals of its namesake wildflower, which turn from a bright yellow to this deep, tawny gold as they dry. It also appears prominently in the foliage of deciduous forests during the peak of autumn and in the mineral streaks found in limestone formations. The shade captures the specific visual state of ripeness in wheat and barley fields just before they are harvested.
How To Use Arnica
In modern interior design, Arnica serves as a sophisticated neutral that adds warmth to a room without overwhelming the senses. It pairs exceptionally well with deep teals or charcoal grays to create a luxurious and high-contrast environment. The color is particularly effective for textile patterns, leather finishes, and textured wallpapers that require a sense of depth.
From a digital accessibility standpoint, this color provides excellent readability when utilized as a background for dark, serif typography. It maintains high visibility across various screen types while significantly reducing the eye strain associated with stark white backgrounds. In branding, it is used to communicate craftsmanship and the high-quality value of artisanal or heritage goods.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Mountain Harvest
A grounded palette inspired by subalpine meadows and autumn transition.
Old World Library
A scholarly and rich collection of tones suitable for high-end interiors.
Artisanal Studio
Modern and tactile colors that emphasize raw materials and craftsmanship.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #BF8F37;
color: rgb(191, 143, 55);
background-color: #BF8F37;
border: 3px solid #BF8F37;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #BF8F3766;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #BF8F37 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Arnica
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Arnica?
Explore color palettes containing Arnica and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Orange colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Arnica
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Arnica?
What colors go with Arnica?
Is Arnica accessible for text?
How do I use Arnica in CSS?
You can use Arnica in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.arnica {
background-color: #BF8F37;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.